If I recall correctly, selection of the team involves quite a bit of politics and is a decision made by the federation. Thinking back to Miki's own experience back in 2006 when she finished like 5th or 6th at Japanese Nationals, but was still chosen for the team over medalist Yukari Nakano.

Actually, the selection process in Japan involves establishing strict rules and then sticking to them, even if they are likely to backfire.

Ando was sent to Olympics 2006 because back then in order to make the Olympic team the skaters had to collect the highest possible amount of points by winning medals in international cometitions and Nationals. Miki had very succesful seasons leading to the Olympics, and even if she came dead last in the Nationals, she still would make the team. In fact, Shizuka was in the greatest danger of being dropped from the team. Yukari, who started peaking at that time (and whom many fans would like to see skate at Torino) had less points than Yoshie Onda.

After that JSF decided that their qualification process was faulty and subsequently changed it. Since then, the spots are distributed between:
1. The skater who placed the highest at GPF. (Note: the skater has to compete at Japanese Nationals. Their placement is not important, but if they fail to attend Nats, they are dropped from the team).
2. The winner of the Japanese Nationals.
3. Whoever places the highest at Japanese Nationals (aside from the 2 already qualified) - but the international standing is taken into consideration.

The JSF already stated that according to the rules the only way for Miki to make the Olympic team is to win Nationals (she doesn't have GP assignments and her international standing is low due to the missed seasons) and that they plan to stick to the rules: http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/n...9-1196855.html

The JSF already stated that according to the rules the only way for Miki to make the Olympic team is to win Nationals (she doesn't have GP assignments and her international standing is low due to the missed seasons) and that they plan to stick to the rules: http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/n...9-1196855.html

I think your interpretation is too strict. The only way for Ando to make the Olympic team unconditionally is to win Nationals. In the cases of 2nd or 3rd, other considerations will be involved. Ando would be chosen if the nationals podium was consisted of the trio of Asada-Murakami-Ando. Basically, the 3rd spot should go with the highest TES. In order to make the podium, Ando must beat Suzuki and Miyahara by technical merits.